BarcelonaBarça’s agonizing victory in the City of Valencia against Levante. Luuk de Jong saved all three points for the Catalans in a match with three penalties in favor (all three fair) for the local team. Then the hot notes of a triumph that should make you think.
Check the settings. It is once again shown that stoppages by selections cut the roll on teams in positive dynamics. Barça are accusing the parenthesis that opened just after ridiculing Real Madrid of the classic and that closed before receiving Sevilla. The team beat the Andalusians by a narrow margin, yes, but this week they have drawn (and thankfully) against Eintracht and have suffered bravely with the almost defenestrated Levante. Barça have lost spark in pressure and lucidity in ball behavior. The settings of the Xavineta so that he does not lose his way at such a decisive moment in the course.
A hole in defense. Xavi will have work to do to recover constants on a collective level, but in the individual aspect there are also reasons for self-criticism. In this sense, we must emphasize the problems of Dani Alves to defend against teams that have speed in space, which are aggravated when it comes to sharing a band with Dembélé, a very undisciplined end in the coverage . Levante advanced on the scoreboard after a clear penalty committed by the Brazilian, who knocked Son down with a blow to the face. Do we now understand why Xavi asks to sign Azpilicueta and renew Sergi Roberto?
Players solving browns. Barça did not save the game thanks to a constant group expression, but to the impact of one-off brilliant actions. The first is the result of Aubameyang’s great connection with Dembélé, who has 11 assists in 14 games. The second, after an act of genius by Gavi well culminated by Pedri, whose substitutes take their toll. The third, the work of Luuk de Jong, a providential footballer to whom mass Barça owes a great deal. And the fourth, under sticks starring Ter Stegen, who stopped a Roger Martí penalty that could have meant 2-0.
Tears in Orriols. Yes, Roger’s, aware of the importance of missing a maximum penalty with water around his neck. Because Levante has been at the bottom of the standings all season and has been able to score vital points in the fight to avoid relegation. He will be sorry if the bad news is consumed in Orriols, home of a fun team to watch, with street footballers like Morales and a loyal and suffering fan. Mention also for his coach, the young Alessio Lisci, that no matter what happens he is earning the credit to continue.
